The Department of Homeland Security’s SAFECOM Program and the Office for Interoperability and Compatibility recently announced a tool with a step-by-step process for developing a locally-driven statewide strategic plan for enhancing communications interoperability.

The Statewide Communications Interoperability Planning Methodology, which can be downloaded from SAFECOM’s Web site, is based on the strategic planning approach jointly developed and tested by the Commonwealth of Virginia and OIC/SAFECOM to create the Virginia statewide interoperability plan in 2004.

“The methodology proved to be an effective tool that can help local governments and states to improve public safety communications across disciplines and jurisdictions,” said David Boyd, director of SAFECOM. “This approach is designed to ensure that local public safety officials play an active role in developing the plan so that it will meet their practical needs.”

“Virginia’s efforts resulted in a comprehensive plan that addresses the interoperability needs and challenges of Virginia’s public safety community as identified by Virginia’s public safety community,” said Chris Essid, the Virginia Commonwealth Interoperability Coordinator. “Consequently, we’re seeing a groundswell of support for the plan we just completed.”

The document outlines 10 essential planning steps that all states can use to create their own statewide communications plan:

• Establish key relationships and funding
• Gather information
• Create project plan and roadmap
• Identify roles and responsibilities for the project team
• Recruit focus group participants and meeting preparation
• Conduct focus group interviews
• Analyze data and prepare for strategic planning session
• Prepare and conduct strategic planning session
• Develop statewide Communications Interoperability
• Strategic Plan
• Guidelines for the first 90 days of implementation
  

It also provides detailed, step-by-step explanations for each phase — including critical tasks, timelines, planning resources, sample documents and templates for communication materials. It also reflects best practices and lessons learned to guide new planning committees.

State public safety officials who are interested in developing a strategic plan for improved statewide interoperability can find the methodology, as well as other SAFECOM resources, at www.safecomprogram.gov.

The Science and Technology Directorate is the primary research and development arm of DHS. The DHS Office for Interoperability and Compatibility oversees the vast range of public safety interoperability programs and related efforts. SAFECOM was established in 2002 as part of the President’s Management Agenda that oversees all initiatives and projects pertaining to public safety communications and interoperability. It is the overarching umbrella program within the federal government to help local, tribal, state and federal public safety agencies improve public safety response interoperable wireless communications.

For more information about SAFECOM, contact safecom@dhs.gov or call 866-969-SAFE.